Guidelines for Writing an Experiential Learning Essay

1 Guidelines for Writing an Experiential Learning Essay The Kolb Model: The relationship between Learning and experience David Kolb presents a model of Experiential Learning containing four components: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. (See Figure ) They are described more fully below. Figure Section 1: Concrete Experience The first stage of Kolb s Model starts with the individual s concrete experience: an event that triggers the Learning cycle. While this is usually a specific experience, it can also include reading, consulting with others or personal research.

2 When Writing about concrete experiences that led to Learning , it is helpful to ask yourself the following questions: What did I do? Where? When? For how long? Why? What was my role (as opposed to the others involved) ? How deeply was I involved? What techniques, methods, procedures did I employ? Why did I choose the ones I used? What were my goals and objectives? How did they influence my choices? What resources did I use? Can I get documentation to verify my experience? Summarize what occurred rather than giving a narrative account of what happened.

3 Section 2: Reflective Observation In the second stage of Writing about Experiential Learning , you step back from the experience to observe and reflect upon it. This might involve noticing similarities or differences, patterns or results of certain actions. Ask yourself: What were the reasons behind my behavior ? What was I thinking at the time? What trends and patterns are evident? What were the significant and unique components of the experience? What worked for me and what didn t? How has my behavior changed as the result of what I learned from the experience?

4 What conclusions can I reach as the result of my reflection? Section 3: Abstract Conceptualization Based on your observations and reflections about your experience, begin to generalize and form abstract concepts about it. Ask: What are the underlying principles for each of my 3 key concepts? What existing rules, laws, theories, and/or concepts from other sources support my understanding of my 3 key concepts? Can I articulate depth and breadth of understanding around each of my 3 key concepts? What examples from my concrete experience demonstrate this understanding?

5 Section 4: Active Experimentation In the fourth stage of the model, you will apply your newly discovered principles, testing the implications of the concepts in new situations. Ask yourself: How does my knowledge apply to other situations? How will I implement (have I implemented) my new knowledge? Have I tested my ideas or those of others? If not, what might I predict will happen? Why? Can I give specific examples of how I am using or would use the Learning around each of my 3 key concepts in a new setting? The testing or experimentation in the fourth stage leads to another concrete experience.

6 You then make new observations and reflections and, based on them, formulate or refine the principle and apply it to see if it holds true. Therefore, Kolb s Model might be better pictured as a spiral: the cycle repeats itself, becoming more refined and sophisticated with each turn. Sample Subjects/Topics For Experiential Learning essays Note: All essays are based upon your adult, personal experience (aged 18+). You cannot write an Essay to fulfill General Education or Elective requirements, if you do not have significant experience in the area you are Writing about.

7 All essays written for academic credit must be written in the Kolb, Experiential Learning format. No Essay is guaranteed a 3-unit credit award. Faculty in the subject matter area evaluating the Essay determine the final credit award. (Not all of the following subject areas qualify to meet General Studies. Please contact the Director of Assessment at regarding Essay topics that qualify for assessment in the area of General Studies) Business Ad vertising Retail Sales Direct Sales Inventory Control Labor Relations Quality Control Job Analysis Personnel Marketing Insurance Unemployment Small Business Ownership Data Processing (Lower Level) Business/Government Strategic Planning Business/Psychology Business Programming (unless strong math application.)

8 Must include two programs. Accepted languages: COBOL, FORTRAN, C(++), etc.) Consumer economics Must cover a minimum of five (5) economic areas which may include: Shelter Budgeting Food Transportation Insurance Consumer Fraud S a vi ngs Establishing Credit Laws & Regulations Mathematics Engineering Psychology/Sociology/Human sciences Alcoholism Pregnancy & Childbirth behavior Disorders Therapy (Personal) Death and Dying Di vorce Mental Health behavior Modification Stress Management Cultural Comparison Career Analysis Single Lifestyle Volunteerism Gerontology Social Service Agencies Community Work Small Group Supervision Rehabilitation Programs Developing & Implementing Program Re-Entry Students (Adult Learners)

9 Working with Children/Adults with Special Needs Unemployment Counseling Techniques Coping with: Disease Illness Problems Tr au ma Maturation: Since college Through military life Parenting (you may choose only 1 of the following) Foster Parenting Step Parenting Working Mother Adoptive Parenting Cross Cultural Parenting Parenting/ Single Parenting Government/Social Science Paralegal Consumer Fraud Laws & Regulations Strategic Planning Genealogy (strong historical perspective) Metropolitics: Election Judge Biology Outdoor Education Immunology Disease/Illness Pregnancy & Childbirth ( Lamaze, LeBoyer, etc.)

10 , from a medical standpoint) Botany: Plants Organic Gardening Biology/Psychology/Sociology Health Problems Physical Education Coaching Physical Fitness NOTE: This subject area is generally awarded less than 3 Semester Units of credit. Biology / Physical Education /Health Job Evaluation Health Curriculum Development Allied Health Management Education special topics Teaching Early Childhood Educational Strategies/Methods Lesson Planning Course Development Classroom Management Systems in Contrast (other countries vs. US) Adult Education (medical military) Art special topics NOTE: To petition for upper level college credit in the following subjects, creative talent must be clearly demonstrated.